Annoyed with the dentist!

rze1979

I am having a 'vent' moment - just wondered if anyone else thought this was a bit cheeky or I am just over-reacting?

I went to the dentist a couple of days ago for a routine checkup (I go every 6 months). I have 2 small children so have had a maternity exemption certificate for the last few visits which means I haven't had to pay although I have never needed any treatment, just the usual check up and clean.

Anyway this visit the dentist decided that I needed an x-ray to check on the success of an operation that I had 4 years ago to remove my bottom wisdom teeth. I didn't realise the cost as I was not told beforehand nor asked whether I wanted the x-ray and the way it was phrased made it sound like it really needed to be done. The point of my vent is that this was the 1st time I have had to pay since the operation and he obviously waited until he could charge me before doing the x-ray.

Surely it isn't common practise to wait 4 years to look at the success of an operation? I am cross with myself for not questioning it at the time it just seems very cheeky to wait until I was paying and then not give me any clue that it would cost me £50.

Vent over - sorry if it seems really pathetic!

dixie_dean_2

Not at all. I would maybe look into it a bit further and speak to the dentist about your concerns as there may be an explanation. However, I had a similar (vaguely) issue and after many emails back and forth with the dentist he effectively asked me to leave the practice. I am now in the midst of a complaint process and can put you in touch with the right people if you want to complain.

rze1979

Thanks D Dean for that. My mum thinks I should write to him and say I am troubled by this and allow him the chance to explain. I am normally pretty good at writing letters of complaint but I feel a bit uncertain here - maybe its because I know absolutely nothing about dentistry and don't want to look stupid!
It does make me feel better to hear that someone thinks I am not making a complete fuss about nothing.
Dentists are a bit like vets in the respect there is never a price list displayed, nor is the charge fully explained to you - maybe thats why that make such good money!!

Viper_7

Why do you think he would wait until you were eligible to pay?
The dentist was still being paid, if not by you.

The costs will be displayed somewhere n the practice, but I think what is important here, is that the additional treatment costs (the X-ray) was not mentioned.

however there will be terms and conditions and I'm sure there will be information about what is included in a check-up and what isn't. If the breakdown/pricing is not mentioned anywhere then you could query them on the charge.

dmg24

Where are you in the UK? In England, an x-ray should not cost £50.

You would be better trying to speak with your dentist than venting on here. A vent will not solve anything, a brief discussion with your dentist would give them a chance to justify their course of action.

rze1979

Yes I agree that venting on here will not solve anything - I just wanted to know if it was worth me doing anything about it. If everyone on here had told me to stop being pathetic then that would have answered my question!
I did wonder about the payment he would receive whilst I was exempt and did think he must be getting the payment from the NHS - I just don't quite undertand the timing of the x-ray coinciding with me personally footing the bill for the 1st time since the op.

Norfolk_Jim

My dentist, who feels like the most expensive dentist in the world to me, has their minimum fees prominently displayed and always put the fee in writing to be signed by me before she will start working on my teeth so everyone knows where they stand. Pity this isnt standard practice. If your lucky enough to be NHS on your dentist then I think the fees are fixed, no?
Not sure which board it is on (but search for dentist and you'll probably find it) but there is a dentist who regularly posts on here and might be able to give you a better answer to your concerns.

CHR15

£50 seems a rip off for a simple dental X-Ray but I agree, the Dentist wouldn't give a hoot who was paying, he would get his money either way.

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1781.aspx?CategoryID=74&SubCategoryID=742

NHS dental charges

The three NHS charge bands are as follows:

• Band 1: £16.50. This charge includes an examination, diagnosis and preventive advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, scale and polish and planning for further treatment.

• Band 2: £45.60. This charge includes all the necessary treatment covered by the £16.50 charge, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment or extractions.

• Band 3: £198. This charge includes all the necessary treatment that is covered by the £16.50 and £45.60 charges, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.

Storck

It might not have been a NHS dentist.

CHR15

Storck wrote: »

It might not have been a NHS dentist.

Do Private Dentists accept Maternity Exemptions??

spuds_2

There is a dentist called Toothsmith who posts on the MSE medical board. I am sure he would be able to say whether £50 was excessive and if it was necessary 4 years after an op - I am assuming you were not having problems related to that area. I am sure if you post over there he may be able to help.

I have a great NHS dentist now (she is Portugese), but as a child had one who seemed to find work every time I went for a check-up - consequently I have loads of fillings and am generally very suspicious about the honesty of some dentists.

Here's the health and beauty forum:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=81